2021-2024 Genesis GV70 3.5L Turbo Engine (G6DS): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

Genesis is a very fast-growing brand that offers really cool features in its cars. All vehicles under this brand name are luxury and pretty expensive. But if you compare the prices with any European or Japanese luxury brands, you will be surprised by the difference. Korean luxury cars are more affordable and still give a lot of bright emotions, so they might be worth your attention.

Today, we'll tell you about the 3.5L Smartstream Turbo engine codenamed G6DS that powers the most expensive trims of the Genesis GV70 and is a really interesting unit. The engine is relatively new, it was first introduced in 2020 and now has a lot of different versions and types. But we already know some good and bad things about the big V6 turbocharged engines from the Genesis and are ready to tell you more.

Key facts and my opinion about the engine

• Production years: 2020-now
• Average lifespan of G6DS: 150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type: combined injection (GDI+MPI)
• Power range: 380 hp
• Fuel efficiency: bad
• Engine block material: aluminum
• Engine reliability score: medium
• The most common problems: potential timing chain issues, overheating problems, oil pump is questionable.

What should you know about the 3.5L Smartstream Turbo engine from the GV70?

First of all, the Genesis GV70 is a new model that was introduced in 2020 and started selling in 2021. In the US, the company sold over 10,000 models in its first year which is not bad for the luxury vehicle. Most of these models come with the base 2.5L Smartstream Turbo engine which is much more practical, less expensive, and easier to maintain. But it's not as hot as the 3.5L one!

So, the 3.5L engine (codenamed G6DS) is the top option for this model and you will see it in the price. The cheaper version starts at $44K while the 3.5L version will cost you at least $56,000. The difference is mind-blowing, but is it worth it? We will gradually answer this question in this article and then make a short conclusion with our own thoughts.

So, here's what you should know about the 3.5L Smartstream Turbo engine:

• the engine is V6 turbocharged unit engineered by Hyundai, this is the new family of engines with all the modern technologies included;
• the unit offers 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft which is a lot for a small SUV, this is even more than you may need;
• the engine comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic transmission that seems to be really good;
• the injection system is pretty interesting - GDI is combined with MPI valves and this should solve the problem of carbon deposits;
• the engine features the Integrated Thermal Management system (ITM or ITMS) that is thought to reduce fuel consumption and optimize the work of the unit under different conditions;
• the timing system is driven by a chain that is thought to be eternal but it isn't, so this may be a problem eventually;
• the Duel CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) helps reduce fuel consumption and adds more potential problems for the high-mileage engine in the future.

So, this is the basic information about the engine that you will find under the hood of the Genesis GV70. Quite an impressive unit, we should say. Especially if you look at the size of the vehicle which is classified as a small luxury SUV. Small! With the 3.5L V6 375-horsepower engine! Should go like crazy, we should say.

Although even now we can figure out which parts of this engine will cause problems in the future, we still can't get a certain answer to the simple question: is it good or at least better than its opponents on the market? Well, let's look at its problems first.

The durability of the 3.5L Samrtstream Turbo engine in the GV70

Unfortunately, the more up-to-date and technological engines become, the fewer miles they can cover. The V6 Smartstream T-GDi in your new Genesis GV70 is no exception. It is estimated to last about 160,000 miles with no major problems. And this figure is more or less standard in the luxury SUV class now.

But when you think about it, it doesn't seem as good. After 100K miles, you will start noticing more and more minor problems that are not really cheap to cope with. And after 150,000 miles, this engine is not really good to drive anymore because it will take all your money out of your wallet.

Repair or overhaul doesn't make sense because the budget for those actions is just insanely big. You will only be able to repair some minor issues but if the engine is about to die, it's really better to replace it with a new one. And frankly speaking, it's cheaper to sell a car and buy a new one, in the end.

This is what it takes when it comes to technologies that fit into modern ecology regulations yet provide good power and torque. Sorry to say that, but you will hardly be able to find a better and more durable option on the market of luxury SUVs today, anyway.

What are the common problems you will likely face with the 3.5L V6 GV70 engine?

Now that we know that durability is one of the key problems, we should also look at other issues that can occur. It's important to know these common problems because, in an engine like the Smartstream Turbo V6, you can spend thousands of dollars to have a minor problem fixed. So, you have to be ready for this and know what to expect.

Here are some of the problems that are most likely to occur with the V6 Turbo engine in the GV70 model:

1. Timing chain issues

Although Genesis says that the chain is made to last as long as the engine lasts, this isn't true. All high-power turbocharged V6 engines have this problem and Hyundai units are no exception. Even now, when these engines have only 20-30 thousand miles on them, we know about some reports on rattling chains. Can you imagine what will happen at 100K miles?

Our simple recommendation: have the chain replaced along with the tensioner, water pump, and other accessories once the warranty period or mileage is over. This will allow you to prolong the lifespan of the engine and avoid the most expensive failures it can face.

2. Overheating issues because of new technologies

Unfortunately, all previous Smartstream turbo engines by Hyundai suffered from overheating. This generation is fitted with the new super-technological unit called ITM or ITMS and this is one of the major concerning things. The technology is very expensive and hard to maintain. Once it goes wild because of software or hardware glitches, the engine will overheat.

Overheating in these engines may lead to fatal problems with the heads, gaskets, cylinders, and pistons. So, even though the engine feels very sporty, driving it aggressively is not a really good option.

3. Gas mileage

In more or less all modern luxury vehicles you will see a very decent consumption. But the 3.5L V6 G6DS doesn't tend to be that economical. The engine will show about 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on highways, as the manufacturer claims.

But in real life, things are much worse. You will barely get 15 mpg in the city unless you forget about the gas pedal in your vehicle. And this is frustrating. Your visits to gas pumps are going to happen much more often than you expect.

4. Dual CVVT standard problems

The variable valve timing system is not new in the 3.5L V6 Smartstream T-GDi. We know this system thanks to other Hyundai engines and we know it's very unreliable in all high-mileage cars. Once your vehicle hits the 100K-mile mark, you may expect problems with Dual CVVT that will cost you a fortune to solve. Without proper maintenance, the engine will lose power, burn more gas, and eventually won't start at all.

How can you prolong its life?

To prolong the life of the engine, you'll need to be mad about TLC. Love your vehicle, take it to the Hyundai dealership once something happens, even if it's a minor problem. Only buy OEM parts and oil, avoid bad gasoline at all costs, and don't drive it aggressively. Also, remember that the timing chain has to be replaced at about 80,000 miles or even sooner than that.

But even following all these guidelines won't save your GV70 engine from problems.

Final words

That's a pity that modern engines can only go up to 160,000 miles and then need to be thrown away. But this is a new reality and we need to put up with it, anyway. So, in our opinion, the new Smartstream Turbo 3.5L V6 engine that is installed in the Genesis GV70 is not the best in its class. But it's still a very decent engine with wonderful specs and pleasant driving.

It's going to take a lot of money from your pocket in form of fuel costs and dealership payments, but we still love the way it works. So when the engine is new, you'll be happy with what you get from it. But when it gets old (100K miles plus), it's the best time to get rid of the car.